In their latest report [1] Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing war crimes by deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in Lebanon. The report is based on first-hand information gathered by recent research missions to Lebanon and Israel, including interviews with dozens of victims, officials from the UN, Israeli Defence Force and Lebanese government, as well as official statements and press reports. It shows how Israel's strikes on numerous targets including water pumping stations, and water treatment plants, was an integral part of Israel's military strategy in Lebanon. The Israeli government has argued that they were targeting Hezbollah positions and support facilities. The report reinforces the case for an urgent, comprehensive and independent UN inquiry into grave violations of international humanitarian law committed by both Hezbollah and Israel.

Since the beginning of the crisis on 12 July 2006, UNICEF has sent more than a quarter of a million litres of bottled water to some of the worst hit communities. Currently, around 50,000 litres a week are being sent south by truck, but this quantity will more than double. Two 45,000 litre pre-fabricated metal tanks, provided by Oxfam, are being sent to the district of Al Khiam.

[1] Amnesty International (2006). Deliberate destruction or 'collateral damage'? : Israeli attacks against civilian infrastructure

See also: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Water, Hygiene and Sanitation activities in Southern Lebanon, 8 September 2006, Map

Sources: BBC News, 23 Aug 2006; Amnesty International press release, 23 Aug 2006; UNICEF news note, 22 Aug 2006

Tags: emergencies